Travel with an Open Mind

For my final blog I would just like to talk about the importance of traveling with an open mind. Traveling to new places will bring about new experiences. Especially when one travels outside of the United States, there will be a new array of languages, customs, and etiquette. Take a day or two before your trip (or as I mentioned below, take books on the plane) to just read about the culture you are going to visit.

Did you know that it is rude to walk into a shop in France with out properly greeting the owner? A polite, "Bonjour Misure" is mandatory.

Did you know that before pouring yourself more wine in Italy you should always ask the rest of your table if you could fill anyone's glass?

Just familiarizing yourself with another culture is important because we are not the only country in this world. Broaden your horizons and experience new ways of doing things. You might find that you like it better!

The Importance of Packing Light

One of the most nicest things you can do for yourself when you travel is to PACK LIGHT! I know, easier said then done but if I can do it then anyone can.

According to Rick Steves' website, here are some great packing tips:

- If you won't wear it more than three times, don't bring it!

- Pack light, wash frequently, buy it if you need it

- Your pack should weight about 20 percent of your body weight, preferably no more than 20 pounds

- Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13"

- A week before your trip, pack your bag with everything you think you want to take and carry it around for a day. Is it comfortable? Too heavy?

Also, for anyone going on a cruise make sure to pack a collapsible bag, not a big bulky suitcase. I learned from experience that even though boats/cruise ships are very nice they still lack in space a lot of the time. Packing everything in a small mesh or fabric bag will make your trip much easier!

The Travel Channel and Tips

Watching the Travel Channel is a great way to find new places to visit or just to gather information about a place that you are visiting. Before my trips I normally see if Rick Steves or Samantha Brown (one of my personal favorite travel shows) has a show about the area. It is nice to walk around a town and know a little about where you are heading and what you are doing. Another piece of advice is to pack a few travel books and read them on the plane. Trust me, after being on a plane for 8 hours and still having 3 hours left, a nice travel guide will be a welcome read. Also, make an effort to learn some of the language of where you will be traveling. It is only polite and if they notice that you are making a honest effort to speak their language they will most likely do the same. Visit the Travel Channel Website for more information!

Traveling and Pets

My husband and I have two cats, Sadie and Jack. Even though we leave town quiet often having cats has worked out really well for us. A bonus with having two cats is that they have a playmate for when we are gone. When we do decide to take them with us Jack travels in a crate while Sadie just sits in my husband's lap while he drives. We tried to let Jack travel without being in a crate but he just can't manage to sit still.

If you are planning on traveling a lot in your future and would like to have a pet I would suggest not getting a dog. While cats do require attention and maintenance they are much easier then dogs.

Road Trips with Friends

Going on a road trip with friends can be a tricky subject. It seems that many a great friendships have been ruined by a five hundred mile trip to somewhere. While this is the case for some, it certainly doesn't have to be. Here is a few pieces of advice from someone who has traveled successfully with friends and is still best friends with them today!

1. Don't be easily offended. Being stuck in a car can make people cranky so don't be easily offended by one small remark.

2. Always offer to drive. Don't let one person be stuck doing all of the driving.

3. Take care of one another. On any vacation it is important that friends take care of each other. Make sure that no one leaves without at least a buddy with them.

4. Pack light! This one is very important because unpacking and repacking five girls luggage into one small car can be somewhat annoying.

The One About France

I have heard many negative things about France over the years. I have heard they they are snobby, feminine, socialists, etc. Now, whether it is their attitude or government that bothers you if you haven't been then do you really know.

Many people like to judge a country even though they have never been there before. They think that because they have read about it or heard something means they are a know it all. Well this is just not true. I have heard people bash countries such as France without even have ever met anyone from the country!

Just as a general rule: Do not judge somewhere until you have been there to see it with your own eyes.

Just as an example, I have been to Paris and I did not meet one single snobby person. Everyone was incredibly kind and helpful. So, next time you want to judge another society just think about what they are saying about us Americans.

What to do with the pictures

With the age of the digital camera comes the notorious amount of unseen photos, forever stored on a computer and never seen by others.
When I travel I always take my camera with me to capture those special moments and exciting adventures. While at first only those who browsed my camera or computer could see the pictures, I now have found a wonderful alternative. Websites, such as www.shutterfly.com are very popular photo sites that have an array of options to use.
I enjoy the photo-books which I use to tell the story of each trip I go on. If you are going on a vacation and taking pictures you might as well turn them to good use! Another option that I really like it turning my favorite photos into black and white canvases. I can then hang them in my home as a work of art and have a great memory to cherish.

The One About Rick Steves

If I could give you a piece of advice for traveling it would be this: ALWAYS TAKE RICK STEVES WITH YOU.

Now, I don't mean the man personally but his books, of course. His travel books are unbelievable for any traveler, experienced or novice. There are full of information, guides, travel hints, etc. I took along a book for each city I visited when I was in Italy and you can see me holding them in almost every picture taken. It is like having a personal guide there with you.

He also has a podcast which I downloaded onto my iPod before I went to France. Once there, I took a three mile walk around the city following his exact instructions and getting the best tour I had while I was there.

For more information you can visit his website: http://www.ricksteves.com/

Sometimes the best deals just arn't

There has been many circumstances recently where I have gone on small road trips and stayed in hotels. After hearing only good things about websites such as Hotels.com, Priceline.com and Expedia.com, I decided to use these resources in order to secure a cheaper room. I did so for stays in Savannah (for St.Patrick's Day, of course!) and Oxford, Mississippi. It wasn't until the last minute that I realized that it was not necessarily the cheaper deal.
I checked on the hotels websites and the price was actually cheaper there. I was also then able to use my AAA discount card and saved a little more.
The point of the story here is, don't always assume that by using these sites you are getting the best deal. You know what they say when you assume...

The one where it was my turn to choose

In the beginning of my travels my parents took care of everything. They booked the hotel, planned the activities and arranged the transportation. It was nice but I also longed to have say as to where we went, if not just once. There was once, after years of begging, that my parents allowed us to go on my "dream" vacation -- Discovery Cove. I had seen an ad for the place in a magazine and was immediately in shock. At the young age of 10 I just knew that I had to go there.

It is similar to Sea World in Orlando, Florida and actually not to far away from it. The main difference is the interaction with all the fish and dolphins. Once the trip was planned I was ecstatic and we had a wonderful trip. While we were in Orlando we also visited Sea World (tickets were included with you admission into Discovery Cove) and we spent two days at Disney World. It was my first trip that I had "planned" all on my own and it is something I will never forget!

The one with the list

In a previous post I mentioned that I had a list of places I would like to visit. I made the list because, if I could, I would want to visit everywhere! Making a list makes this overwhelming need to see the world a little more possible and a little less overwhelming.
My list has changed over the years but mostly has remained the same.

1. Paris, France
2. Venice, Italy
3. Poland
4. Cuba
5. Greece
6. Peru (Machu Picchu)
7. India
8. Australia
9. Ecuador (The Galapagos Islands)
10. Hawaii

Now, this is just the top ten on my list because it would take way to much space to list all 25 places. The only places I have been to on my top ten are France and Italy but I plan to visit all 25 eventually!

The Dream

If I could have any experience in the world it would be to go on the World Cruise with Princess Cruise Lines. This is something that I have been dreaming about for years but with a hefty (to say the least) price tag it has yet to become an option. It is an 107 day cruise, leaving from Florida and traveling to destinations such as Ecuador, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, and Italy (just to name a few).

While to some this does not seem appealing to me it seems like one of the most exciting 107 days a person could have! Years ago I made a list of the top places that I would like to visit and many are actually ports on this cruise.

For example, I have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu which is in Peru. I have also always wanted to go to Morocco and Easter Island, both on the itinerary.

I think it is important to have a dream vacation or trip because eventually that day will come and I will be boarding the World Cruise, extraordinarily happy and ready for an amazing adventure.

Budget Friendly Options

While many view travel as a luxury in which one is on some kind of vacation, there are many other options available. I can't even count the amount of times I've heard, "I would travel if I could afford it." The problem with this is not finances but purely a lack of creativity. There are many options to travel on a budget such as:
1. Travel with a group. Many places offer group discounts and if it is a car ride away, carpooling can save money on gas. Also, many trips are even better with groups such as camping, hiking, skiing, etc.
2. Travel to help. There are many programs available to those with a desire to help others and I'm not necessarily talking about the peace corps (although that is an option for those who have the 27 months available). Many organizations and foundations take volunteers abroad on mission trips in order to help those less fortunate.
3. Travel to work. There are many websites dedicated to helping people find "fun" jobs. This would include things such as working on a farm, ranch, ski lodge, etc. Coolworks.com is a great reference.

Even if these ideas don't appeal to you there are ways to save money no matter what kind of trip you go on. One big help is to pack a cooler full of drinks and food. You will be amazed to find out how much money you save by not eating out (and it is probably a healthier option as well). Also, planning ahead tends to save money as well. Normally tickets for a park or show are less in advance then they are at the gate/door.

Costa Rica...

I have been to many places but one of my favorite trips would be Costa Rica. My family had planned in advance to go but I wasn't able to because of school. I know that many people say education opens doors but in my circumstance it certainly slams those plane doors shut in my face. I can't even begin to count the number of experiences I have missed out on because of school (although it doesn't sound like it, I am actually grateful to be here and I love Southern!).
I was talking on the phone with my parents while they were packing and just realized that I didn't care how many days I missed -- I had to go on this trip!
My parents booked my flight the next morning before they left and I drove up to Atlanta from Statesboro. I left two days after I decided to go and I still remember the excitement as I boarded the plane!
It was an amazing trip full of zip lining off a 700 foot cliff (followed by 13 other crazy jumps), riding ATV's through the rainforest, and afternoons by our pool.
I realize that I am so blessed to have the opportunities that I have. I am so grateful for all the experiences I have and cherish the memories from those experiences. It is memories like these that are precious to me. I am not very sentimental about objects but I am about life experiences and this was one I will never forget.

Make your own list

There are many different resources for finding interesting places in the world to visit. One of my favorites is Howard Hillman's list of the 100 Top Wonders.

I have been to 14 out of the 100 top wonders (which to some it a lot, to others it is hardly anything) and plan to visit a few more over the summer. While there are many different lists in which to choose from I suggest you make one of your own. Think of the places that you would love to visit, practical or not, and make it your goal to make those dreams come true.

(http://www.hillmanwonders.com/)

Change of Topic...

While character qualities are very important I have concluded that writing about a different one each time is kind of, well, not interesting. So, instead I have decided to change my blog theme to something that is incredibly important to me and something that encompasses much of my life: Traveling.
Some could say that I have an abnormal obsession with travel but I would say it is fairly average. I was raised in home school which allowed me the privilege of traveling throughout high school. I heard a quote once and it says,

"The world is like a book and those who don't travel only read one page."

I find this incredibly accurate. Traveling opens up ones mind to other ways of thinking as well as other ways of doing. Just because we do something a certain way here in America doesn't necessarily mean it is the only way, let alone the best way. Another advantage of traveling is that it makes you appreciate being a citizen of the United States.
It is such an important thing to experience and something everyone should do.

Cautiousness

Cautiousness is another important character quality. Bill Gothard says this of cautiousness: "Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions."
Sometimes people try to achieve to many things all at one time. We don't want to wait. We have become a world of instant gratification. We know what we want and we want it now. Instead we should try to be more cautious, think about our decisions and meditate on them.
We are blessed to live in a world where we can have almost anything instantly but with this blessing comes an impatience for waiting. We complain about standing in line, the slow Internet connection, etc. Instead of being so quick to complain maybe it is us that should slow down.

Boldness

Boldness is defined in the Webster Dictionary as : fearless before danger. Bill Gothard says that boldness is "Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God."
There are many circumstances in life that call for action yet no one seems to want to be the one to act. Yes, we will complain about the injustices and wrongdoings, but do something about it? No, that is better left for someone else. In a day when many people consider themselves leaders, it seems that we are at a lack for boldness. Standing up for what you believe in and spark debate against the popular trend. Questioning long-standing tradition is not necessarily wrong if it is approached in a honest manner. Be bold, stand up for what you believe in, say something.
It is just like the story of kids on a playground. Sally gets made fun of by one of the bullies and her friend, Jane says nothing. After the bully leaves and Jane comes over to comfort Sally she realizes Sally is mad at her ! Sally is mad because Jane did nothing to help her. It is one thing to cause the problem but it is another to stand by and do nothing to help.
A more serious example is the young girl who was raped outside of a school dance. Police said that many other students saw what was happening and did nothing to stop it. What a tragedy.

Day 3: Availability

Day 3: Availability

Availability is the third character quality, according to Bill Gothard. He states that one should consider "making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving." Availability is the opposite of self-centerdness. It is making yourself useful to those around you in order to help them. A mother is the best example of availability. The mother changes her schedule on a daily basis in order to accommodate those around her whether it is her children or husband.
In the college setting one could volunteer for a local organization. In the end, you will find that helping others really helps yourself. And if you needed help, wouldn't you want someone there for you as well?

Attentiveness

Attentiveness is an important character quality that one should have.
Bill Gothard states that attentiveness is "showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions."
Many people are multi-taskers, if not by choice then by necessity. We don't have time to focus on one thing at a time because, simply, there isn't enough time. I once was told a story of a great listener. Many people who knew this woman raved about how wonderful she was and what a great person she was. After meeting her for the first time I realized why everyone thought so highly of her. When she speaks to you she speaks only to you. She gives you her undivided attention. There are a lot of people in society who are not like this anymore. They talk on the cell phone while surfing the Internet and eating dinner. It seems that even if you are right in front of someone they are continually looking around, checking there cell phone or lost in their own thoughts. It is time to slow down and do one thing at a time; finish that one thing and then move on to the next. Also, give a person your undivided attention when they speak to you.

Character Qualities Introduction

Character Qualities

1. Alertness
2. Attentiveness
3. Availability
4. Boldness
5. Cautiousness
6. Compassion
7. Contentment
8. Creativity
9. Decisiveness
10. Deference
11. Dependability
12. Determination
13. Diligence
14. Discernment
15. Discretion
16. Endurance
17. Enthusiasm
18. Faith
19. Flexibility
20. Forgiveness

Each day I will focus on one of the character qualities as according to Bill Gothard. Today, the first day of my blog, will be about alertness.

Day 1: Alertness
The test had been announced in advance, which meant the students had the chance to study and come to class well prepared. Test papers were handed out, and the college exam commenced. One by one as students reached the end of the test they read the final question with consternation. Some grunted in disgust. One student exclaimed, "You''re kidding, right?" Another asked, "Does the last question count toward our grade?" It had to be a joke.
"Yes, it does." replied the teacher, somewhat tersely.
When all the papers were handed in, the professor finally explained. The last question was, "What is the first name of the man who cleans our school?" Virtually every student had been stumped. All of them saw him almost every day. But his name? If kids spoke to his ti was usually "Hey, dude." Few students knew his name was Otis.
(Excerpt from a book by Deborah Norville)

This excerpt from Deborah Norville's book is a great example of alertness. It seems more common then not that society as a whole is busy. We have work, school, homework, after-school activities, families, etc. Being diligent with ones time is an admirable trait but one should be careful to never be so busy that they ignore the people around them. People are important, human relationships are crucial. As the famous quote goes, "No man is an Island."
Look around today and say "Hi" to someone you normally don't speak to.

So, this is a first. I have never "blogged" before (if that even is such a word) and find the idea of a public diary kind of strange. I'm sure, for some, it can be a kind of emotional release but really, does everyone out there in cyberspace really need to read about it. I'm aware of movies such as "Marley and Me" and "Julie and Julia" in which the focus was about the main character writing a blog but I'm still not convinced that everyone and their mother needs to do the same. Although, due to my strong desire to graduate I will attempt what I have always avoided and become...a blogger.